January 1 — Salvation Army’s 50% off Clothing Day {Metro Detroit} — This is my absolute favorite day to hit up “Sally” for awesome thrifted clothing deals. All 35 metro Detroit, Washtenaw and Livingston County stores participate. Get there at 7 a.m. for the best items. Stores are open until 10 p.m.

January 5 — MAKEbreak at Michaels {Nationwide} — Visit Michaels and make a snowman mason jar; supplies will be provided. 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. FREE with purchase of a jar.

January 5 — Families at The Broad {East Lansing} — Visit this East Lansing modern art museum from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. for hands-on activities surrounding The Earth and Me. FREE.

January 5 — Kid’s Workshop at Home Depot {Nationwide} — Make an art easel for FREE at Home Depot. Hands-on workshops are designed for children ages 5 – 12 and take place between 9 a.m. and 12 p.m. Advance registration encouraged. Learn more at this post.

January 8 & 9 — FREE LEGO® Mini Model Build {Nationwide} — Visit your local LEGO Store {Troy for Michigan readers} to learn how to build a cool mini model, and take it home – for free! January’s project is a LEGO fighter jet. Quantities are limited. Event is open to children ages 6-14 only. FREE.

January 12 — Cold Rush {Warren} — A family fun event in Warren’s City Square featuring ice sculptures, a petting zoo, an ice skating show, live music and more. FREE.

January 13 — Rubber Ducky Day at the Howell Aquatic Center {Howell} — Celebrate National Rubber Ducky Day a day early with this fun-filled event to celebrate the date Rubber Ducks were invented! Prizes for those finding specially marked ducks. $5/person {$18/family of 4}. 1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Advance registration required.

January 13-18 — Ann Arbor Restaurant Week {Ann Arbor} — Get discounted meals at a number of fab, high-end restaurants around Ann Arbor. Perfect for a date night or a special night out with older kids.

January 19-26 — North American International Auto Show {Detroit} — Car fanatic or not, this is one of the premier events to attend in the Detroit area! See more than 500 vehicles on display, representing the most innovative designs in the world. Tickets: Adults – $14/tickets, seniors and children 7-12 – $7, children under 6 are free {senior and child tickets must be purchased at the door}.

January 19 & February 2 — Wild Winter Weekends at the Detroit Zoo {Royal Oak} — Wild Winter Weekends features arctic-themed arts and crafts, games and entertainment. All activities are free with zoo admission and take place 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Ford Education Center. Admission range: Free for 2 and under, otherwise priced $10-$14.

January 21 — FREE Admission to The Henry Ford for MLK Day {Dearborn} — Visit THF from 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. and celebrate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The day includes free admission and free parking, activities and dramatic presentations.

List of MLK fun coming soon!

January 24 – February 2 — Sesame Street Live at The Fox Theatre {Detroit} — Everyone’s invited on an amazing journey with Elmo to discover the “power of yet” in Sesame Street Live! Make Your Magic. Like television’s Sesame Street, each Sesame Street Live production features timeless tunes and lessons for all ages. Tickets start at $15.